DEA Extends Telemedicine Flexibilities to Support Continued Access to Care

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has issued a fourth temporary extension of COVID-19-era telemedicine flexibilities for prescribing certain controlled medications. The extension will remain in effect through December 31, 2026.

Under the extension, DEA-registered practitioners may continue to remotely prescribe Schedule II–V controlled medications via audio-video telemedicine encounters without first conducting an in-person medical evaluation, provided all federal and state requirements are met. This includes FDA-approved medications used to treat opioid use disorder.

“DEA supports telehealth access for patients who need medication, but not at the expense of public safety,” said Cheri Oz, Assistant Administrator of the DEA’s Diversion Control Division. “These rules aim to protect patients, expand access to care, and close the door on diversion into the illicit drug market.”

By maintaining these flexibilities, the DEA and HHS seek to ensure continuity of care for patients who rely on telemedicine, reduce potential backlogs of in-person appointments, and provide additional time to develop long-term policies that balance expanded access to care with safeguards to prevent against medication diversion.

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